Psychologist Pay

Merrimack vs Nashua: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Merrimack, NH and Nashua, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Merrimack, NH
$110,526
$53.14/hr
Nashua, NH
$62,944
$30.26/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMerrimack, NHNashua, NH
Median Salary$110,526$62,944
Hourly Rate$53.14$30.26
Entry Level (P10)$64,105$36,508
25th Percentile$79,579$45,320
75th Percentile$141,473$80,568
Top Earner (P90)$171,316$97,564
Total Employed521
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Merrimack ($110,526) and Nashua ($62,944) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.MerrimackNashuaMedian Salary$110,526$62,944Entry Level (P10)$64,105$36,508Top Earner (P90)$171,316$97,564US Median $105,689

Verdict

Merrimack, NH offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Nashua.

The salary gap between Merrimack and Nashua is $47,582 (75.59%). Merrimack's median is +4.58% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Merrimack spans $107,211,Nashua spans $61,056. Merrimack has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Merrimack
P10 (Entry)$64,105
P25$79,579
Median$110,526
P75$141,473
P90 (Top)$171,316
Nashua
P10 (Entry)$36,508
P25$45,320
Median$62,944
P75$80,568
P90 (Top)$97,564

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Merrimack ($103,007 effective) pays 75.59% more than Nashua ($58,662 effective).

Merrimack
Nominal: $110,526
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $103,007
Nashua
Nominal: $62,944
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $58,662

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Merrimack if…

  • Higher median salary ($110,526/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($171,316)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,007)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Nashua if…

  • Larger job market (21 employed)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Merrimack grew -5.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -47.6% growth in Nashua over the same period.

Merrimack, NH

+-5.9%

$111,740 (2024) → $105,183 (2025)

Nashua, NH

+-47.6%

$114,307 (2024) → $59,901 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Merrimack or Nashua?

Merrimack has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $110,526/year, compared to Nashua at $62,944/year — a difference of $47,582 (75.59%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Merrimack and Nashua?

Merrimack clinical and counseling psychologists earn $53.14/hr while Nashua hygienists earn $30.26/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Merrimack to Nashua as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Merrimack and Nashua. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Merrimack = $103,007, Nashua = $58,662), job availability (5 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Merrimack vs Nashua?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $64,105 in Merrimack and $36,508 in Nashua. The Merrimack area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC

Career Analyst

Maria has 10 years of experience in clinical psychology. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Maria works at a mental health clinic in Chicago.

Clinically reviewed by James Wu, PsyD, LCSWData verified by Fatima Khan, PhD, LCPC

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.08% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov